Just broke 24 hours

[regularjoeschmo513]

I have been taking hydro 5/325 @, 2 pills three times a day for over 3 years now.  I feel like it has taken my drive/character away and the only time I feel a bit happy is taking these stupid pills.  I stopped taking them just over 24 hours ago and I am going crazy in my mind.....I want to scream, yell, cry, anxiety through the rough every few hours......any suggestions for this anxiety b/c I really don't want to go back to these life killing pills.  I have partially been taking them to also relief a major back injury and now I find myself taking them to avoid feeling like crap b/c of major marital problems (not on my part or maybe it is!)...she literally screwed me emotionally and I am in a very bad place right now......any HELP advice is welcome

[EvolverU]

Hi there & Welcome. I just wanted to congratulate you on your Big 40 + hrs. Clean!! I'm so sorry you're going through relationship issues. (You'll find quite a few us here, either kicked in similar circumstances, ran into problems that way after detox or both [I'm raising my hand, here!]) As my friend, Meegy, above mentions, you've just got to power through this stage. (I also completely agree with her re: exercise during & after detox. It helps relieve stress & gets those endorphins firing.) Please know that all the up & down emotions you feel -- that roller coaster ride you're on right now -- are completely 'normal' @ this stage of the game & that they will level out soon enough.

For the anxiety/stress most of find that hot salt baths as needed are indispensable. Massage & reflexology also help. I always tried to decouple from my symptoms by redirecting myself. Why not try listening to your favorite music on headphones/earbuds or watch funny movies. (Both of these help with endorphin production.) Journaling is also really helpful to vent or just keep track of your progress. When you feel really stressed make sure to reach out & post for support. MH is an amazing place & has helped to pull many through when they couldn't see the light at the end of the tunnel. You CAN do this & You're worth it, my friend! We're here & we're pulling for ya'.

[meegWpaw]

hi regular joe ... I hear you on the marital issues thing, that is some tough stuff to have to go through when your first getting clean.  you're in some of the roughest straits of detox ... you gotta grit your teeth and power through this part the best you can.  I know its really hard but it will be over soon ... for me, one of the things that helped most with anxiety was walking.  I came off a lot of pills, so I could barely move, but even walking around the block helped.  it was such a gigantic task for me that it took all my energy and concentration, which automatically diverted the anxiety.  whatever length or speed of walking you're up to, it should help.  there's something about the rhythmic pattern of footsteps that seems to lull one into relaxing.  don't give up!  you will get past this.

[mutty188]

I didn't really answer your question.

I know exactly how your feel about needing the pills to be you. We all feel that way, I think. I feel more empowered and alive at day 6 than i did at day minus 5. It's the end of day 6 and i feel much better. The first 4 days were rough, I aint gonna lie.

Every hour is a victory. Every 8 hours is a bigger victory. Be proud of yourself.

Have a lost hobby, or something? I played guitar and forced exercise, or just take a walk. anything to clear the mind and pass the time...helped me get through it.

I hope this is helpful.

[mutty188]

I was on exactly the same dose for almost the same time. I'm finishing day 6. Be proud of every hour, you are earning it. fight the cravings.


This was given to me on a different thread. I'm not a "rap" guy, but the message hit home.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tsMEogvaNi0

[Cira30]

I am on day 6 :) just stay focused on being the happy, healthy guy you want to be. Be proud of yourself for taking that step. Try exercise, music, hot baths, coming on here to vent!!

[Gretta96]

Actually, I'm almost on day 4.

[Gretta96]

Hi there- I have taken the 5/325 off and on since I discovered my husbands affair 10 months ago.  The hydros have been the only thing to bring me any positivity.  I have three kids and I want to be there for them.  I am so hurt and devastated.  Our marriage is ending, and I am glad it is because I could not stay with him and would never trust him again.  But now, it's so nasty with child custody and support payments and lawyers and court dates.  It's almost unbearable for me mentally.
I'm almost on day 3 of not taking any and my emotions are so down and I've been crying.  The hydros help, but once you're off, the depression is so much worse.
Don't have any advice, you know what you should do. At your low dose, you can definitely stop with minimal withdrawals, but do you want to stop?